Easter agrees Saints stay

Northampton Saints back row Mark Easter has signed a new two-year contract with the Guinness Premiership club.

Last Updated: 20/01/09 4:40pm

Northampton Saints back rower Mark Easter has signed a new two-year contract with the Guinness Premiership club.

Easter, who joined the Saints from Nottingham in 2005, has become an important part of the first team squad at Franklin's Gardens - scoring 13 tries in 64 appearances.

And, after committing himself to the club, Easter revealed his determination to drive Saints towards securing some silverware in the coming years.

"I'm in to my fourth year at the club now and I have really enjoyed being here," he said.

"We have a good squad and there are some quality back row forwards here, which is creating competition for me. Hopefully I can continue to take my chances and put myself in a position to play more first-team rugby.

Strongly

"It really is a great club with straightforward ambitions. As both a club and as individuals, we want to keep on improving and look to win trophies."

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder also spoke of his delight that Easter has committed himself to the club for a further two years.

"Mark is a popular member of the squad who played a key role last season in National League One and who has stepped up and performed strongly in all competitions so far this season," he said.

"He has been here for a few seasons now and I think it can easily be forgotten that Mark is still a young, English player who we believe will improve even further over the next few years.

"His emergence as a quality back row forward and his consistent performances are exactly why he is a well respected player amongst both team mates and opponents."